"Stonewall" Jackson's wing of the army struck the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bristoe Station and before daybreak August 27 marched to capture and destroy the massive Union supply depot at Manassas Junction.

This surprise movement forced Pope's Army of Virginia into an abrupt retreat from his defensive line along the Rappahannock River.

That night, Jackson marched his divisions north to the Bull Run battlefield, where he took position behind an unfinished railroad grade.

The other Confederate wing commanded by Major General James Longstreet would hold Pope's attention along the Rappahannock and then follow Jackson after thirty six hours.

[5] Jackson reached Bristoe Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad during the afternoon of the 26th, where his troops proceeded to wreck two trains and tear up several miles of tracks.

After a night march Trimble launched an attack which overran the small Union garrison, capturing over 300 prisoners and eight cannons, at the loss of four men.

[9] To the west, Ewell deployed his division along Kettle Run to serve as protection for Jackson's rear against Pope's forces.

Shortly after 4 p.m., Ewell received orders from Jackson to retreat to Manassas Junction and successfully disengaged; Hooker was unable to pursue due to the bridge across Broad Run to the north which was burned.